Continental’s Loss Is Less Than Forecast

Continental Airlines Inc. had a second-quarter net loss of $139 million because of lower fares and expenses for the lower value of some aircraft. Excluding one-time costs, the loss was narrower than forecast.

The fifth-largest U.S. airline’s net loss was $2.18 a share, compared with net income of $42 million, or 74 cents, in the year-earlier quarter, the company said. Sales declined 14% to $2.19 billion.

Continental shares rose 4 cents to $11.60 on the NYSE.